Marrakesh-This
is the most popular of Morocco's imperial cities. The setting is stunning, with
ochre stucco buildings on a dry, rocky plain and the snow-peaked Atlas mountains
as a backdrop. Much of the medina is surrounded by beautifully restored
pinkish-red ramparts, and lovely palm gardens are interspersed among the
impressive buildings. The modern town has gracious wide avenues and large,
resort-style hotels. The vast square called Djemaa el-Fna is the main show in
town. It's a market scene straight out of the movies, with snake charmers,
musicians, acrobats and storytellers. At night, the plaza is filled with gaslit
restaurant stalls. If you'd rather not be in the thick of things, you can enjoy
the atmosphere from one of the rooftop terrace restaurants overlooking the
plaza.
Fez
has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walled medina is one of the
most intact and impressive medieval cities in the Islamic world and, taken as a
whole, it's the architectural highlight of Morocco. Fez also has a
French-planned new city (ville nouvelle), and the contrast between the old and
the new sections makes sightseeing all the more fascinating. You truly feel as
if you're stepping into the past when you walk through one of the gates to the
old medina.
The medina is divided into two sections, Fez el-Bali (the
older, more extensive part) and Fez el-Jedid (the newer, smaller part). Fez
el-Bali is a formidable maze, and you could spend several days exploring the
narrow, winding alleys. Start at the decorative gate, Bab Bou Jeloud, and walk
along either Talaat el-Kebir or Talaat el-Seghir, two parallel streets that run
most of the length of Fez el-Bali. The most important buildings are the
Kairouine Mosque and University and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, both of
which are at the center, and lowest point, of the medina. Non-Muslims are not
permitted to enter these buildings, but you can peer inside the doors when
they're open.
Rabat-Morocco's
capital since 1912, this city of nearly 1.5 million residents is not as
compelling to many travelers as other imperial cities, but it's a relaxing
change of pace from much of Morocco - the touts are not as aggressive as in
other places. We recommend seeing it as a day trip or a stopover on the train
from Tangier or Fez to Marrakesh or Casablanca. Watch the changing of the Royal
Guard at the Royal Palace (Friday mornings) and visit the impressive
12th-century Tower of Hassan (an unfinished minaret) and the nearby royal
mausoleum containing the remains of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II (note the
colorfully dressed guards). You should also walk through the medina and visit
the Oudaias Casbah with its hilltop views out over the ocean
Casablanca
is Morocco's largest and most modern city. If you're into nightlife,
you'll want to stay a night or two; otherwise, you'll probably be content to see
the city in one day. On the other hand, it is the country's main transportation
hub, so you may find yourself spending more time there.
Sights include the old medina, the Royal Palace, the Great Mosque and several
art-deco buildings. The most impressive sight by far is the Hassan II Mosque,
which is reputed to be the biggest in the world. It is also the only mosque in
Morocco that non-Muslims can visit - we highly recommend it. Guided tours allow
you to see the wonderful craftsmanship and furnishings: beautiful tilework,
sculpted plasterwork, thick carpets and enormous Venetian glass chandeliers. The
ceiling is painted in dazzling patterns and, even more impressive, it can
retract to open the mosque to the sky. The plaza out front can accommodate
thousands more for religious events.
Agadir
offers most sea sports and
excellent beachside hotels (with extensive facilities for tennis, volleyball,
riding, etc.). Go there for the warm winter weather, not the architecture.The
town has wonderful restaurants, shopping and nightlife
Source: http://travel.yahoo.com
MOROCCO
